Grey County is offering some advice and guidelines for businesses as the Province goes through Stage 1 of reopening.
The County says when looking to re-open a business, owners should follow the guidelines recommended by the Province.
Grey County highlights some of the recommendations including cleaning high-touch areas, having hand sanitizer or wash stations, controlling the number of people in the business and managing traffic flow.
Public Health Grey Bruce recommends the general public uses non-medical cloth masks, not N95 masks. They say some businesses in Stages 2 and 3 will be required to use healthcare-compliant PPE but those businesses will be contacted directly by Grey Bruce Public Health.
They also say to minimize contact with customers by continuing to encourage online shopping, curbside delivery and contactless payment. The County notes this may be useful because restrictions could shift back and forth during the pandemic.
The County says it's recommended by Public Health officials that workers are screened regularly for symptoms and that customers are passively screened. They suggest posting signs at entries asking people not to enter if they have symptoms.
They say if you can't follow the guidelines, it is best you maintain status quo by either remaining closed or continuing with online sales and curbside pick up.
You can find more guidelines at Ontario.ca.
Grey County economic development and tourism recovery staff say they can help businesses find cloth masks. For support, contact ecdev@grey.ca or 519-372-0219 ext.1270. They say a County staff member will assist you within one business day.
Meanwhile, the County highlights some available financial supports, including
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) which has been extended to August 29.
They say the Regional Relief & Recovery Fund is now available to businesses in rural Ontario who are unserved or underserved by current programs. You can learn more about that by contacting your local Community Futures Development Corporation to apply.
Meaford and Town of the Blue Mountains: Gillian Fairley gfairley@centreforbusiness.ca 705-445-8410
Owen Sound, Georgian Bluffs and west Meaford (Old Sydenham): Barb Fisher 519-386-9933 bfisher@bruce.on.ca
Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Hanover, West Grey and Southgate: Rose Austin or Jamie Doherty 519-799-5750 rose@sbdc.ca or jamie@sbdc.ca